A/N – Thanks for the comments!

Chapter 22

The doctor examined Jason before standing back.

"What's the verdict?" Jason asked.

The doctor shook his head. "You'll live. The cut is healing, but you need to be careful still. Rest as much as you can over the next few days." From what he has heard, this isn't close to being Jason's first injury.

"Do I need to avoid contact?"

"Avoid any jarring or heavy lifting for the next week, and then I will re-examine you. If you are getting severe headaches, send a guard for me. Your mother will have my head if something bad happens."

Jason smirked. "Okay."

"I also know you are newly married, so wait a week."

Jason sighed, making the doctor chuckle.

"Congratulations, by the way. She is an extraordinary person."

"I know."

"And so are you. I'd better get into that hallway before your mother loses her sanity."

Jason smiled. "She's very protective."

"Aye, and so are you."

When he eased into the hallway, there was silence for a moment, and then Jason heard his mother and Elizabeth asking endless questions.

"Is he still alive?"

Monica scowled. "Of course, he is, but I needed to know what to feed you and what you're allowed to do."

"Why do I have the feeling you're going to lock me in this room?"

"You're lucky because I was going to tie you down, considering you are the worst patient."

Liz grinned as she navigated around Monica and headed to Jason's side. "I sent Georgie to the kitchen. The cook will make you eggs, and you can have some fruit. You haven't eaten in days, so we must start slowly. We'll see how you tolerate it."

"Okay." He's not hungry. "May I have some water?"

Monica rushed to the hallway to have a servant retrieve it before returning.

"Eating is important so you can get stronger. You're allowed to use the bathroom, but then you must get right back in bed."

Jason groaned.

"Don't argue with her either," Monica warned. "In a few days, you can go out on the turret and sit if you want fresh air."

"Are you staying?"

"Aye. Your father will visit you soon, and then he'll head back."

Jason smirked.

"What?"

"Was just thinking of AJ trashing the place while you're gone."

"Very funny."

"I think you will be surprised that he handled things well." AJ has come a long way.

Liz smiled. "Irina is with him."

Jason is shocked. "How long was I out again?"

Monica chuckled.

"I can't believe Helena allowed that."

Queen Helena strolled into the room. "I have learned to pick my battles."

"I see."

She moved closer. "I just spoke to the doctor."

"You didn't hurt him, right?"

Helena grinned. "Not much. I will stay on for a few more days before I must return."

"Thank you for taking care of Elizabeth."

"I'm glad I was needed."

Liz snuggled next to Jason. "You are only staying a few more days because you dread the carriage ride."

"Aye. As you get older, you lose cushion on your bottom."

"Mother, that is way too much information," Stephan said as he moved inside.

"Are you leaving today?" Helena asked.

"Yes, but I wanted to say goodbye to your favorite couple."

Elizabeth crawled around Jason and hugged Stefan. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome. Maybe you could visit sometimes. It will lighten up the place."

She laughed. "I would love that."

"Jason, I hope you get better soon so you don't lose your sanity in this room."

Jason smiled. "Thanks."

Stefan kissed Helena on the cheek and left.

"All right, I'll let you rest. Elizabeth can let us know if you tolerate the food, and maybe I can have them whip up some stew for dinner," Monica said.

"Okay."

Helena nodded at Elizabeth and then followed Monica.

Jason sighed. "I'm only agreeing to all of this because I will stress everyone out if I don't, and I know you've already borne enough when I was missing."

Liz clucked her tongue. "Face it, dear husband, you have no choice."

He groaned. "You can at least pretend."

She kissed his cheek.

"You missed," he said, turning his head toward her.

This time, she kissed him soundly. "Rest…"

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AJ watched as Irina ate some fruit. She is so beautiful he can barely look at her without his heart beating faster.

"What?"

"I still can't believe you are here."

She smiled. "It is strange. It's beautiful here. I think you get more sun, too." Their kingdom gets a lot of rain and clouds.

"I do love it. Sometimes, it gets colder than I like, but you can't outdo the view."

"What is on the agenda for today?"

"Well, I have a few meetings shortly, and then I am yours for the day. I was hoping to walk in the gardens and eat lunch there if that is okay with you."

"That sounds delightful."

"Good." He plans to spend as much time as possible with her over the next few days. Courting will be difficult, but he figures that they can visit at least once every three weeks or so. In the meantime, he will court her via letter and earn the right to be her betrothed.

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Jagger tentatively pushed on the door to the room. "Elizabeth?"

"Come in."

He strode into the room and sat on a chair near the bed. "How is the patient?"

"Bored," Jason said.

"Am I not good company? Liz teased.

"Of course you are, but I like moving around more."

Jagger understands. Jason is not a slacker.

"I'm glad you could come."

Jason was surprised because he didn't know that Elizabeth had summoned Jagger.

"What do you need?"

Liz sat up. "Maybe we should take their castle and land." It's a vast kingdom, so it will have to be divided.

Jason and Jagger's gaze locked as they silently communicated.

"You could have asked how my day was first."

Liz smiled. "Sorry. I thought it best to get to the point."

Jason didn't try to hide his shock, never thinking she'd want to be the aggressor.

Helena had entered the room to bring them some drinks.

"I know it is not my normal response, but is letting them gather again smart? They are spread thin, correct?"

Jagger nodded as he stood and gave Helena his chair. He already knew she wasn't going anywhere.

"Thank you."

"We are monitoring them. There are men still there, and some villages are about. The fighters mostly fled. It wouldn't take much to seize it, but then what?" It's still a precarious situation. Those who fled could return and seek revenge.

"We appoint several people to be local rulers to oversee things."

Helena nodded. "Did you have anyone in mind?"

Liz sighed. "That could start several arguments, but we can split it among Fiefs (s." After control is established, they will assign vassals to receive a portion of the land in exchange for their loyalty and military service. "This will be an extension of Guildenhall's kingdom, but I will be fair. The land is fertile there, and minerals are in abundant supply. I don't intend to require a lot of profit. I suggest Lord Lucas Jones represents the Spencers. He is of even temperament and doesn't have a huge ego."

"That's reasonable," Helena said. "I'm not sure if Luke will agree, but given that it's technically your land, I will say it's far. There is money to be made off crops and minerals."

"Aye. For your portion, may I suggest Lord Dimitri or Valentin?"

Helena thought for a moment. Dimitri is probably more trustworthy, but giving Valentin a purpose might be good for him. He married a duchess named Claudette, who is pregnant with their first child. "I would say Valentin. Dimitri loves where he lives and won't want to move."

Elizabeth nodded. "For Mayven, what about Lord Ned?"

Jason shrugged. "I suppose that would be fine." He has a good head on his shoulders, and his wife Lois is nice but keeps him in line.

"For Robert's land, what about Lord Cody?"

Jagger shrugged. "He's a good man and is military-minded."

"Agreed," Helena said. "What about you?"

Liz sighed. "I have so many mixed feelings on the subject."

Helena leaned forward. "Let us help."

"Well, I thought about making Francis an official Knight and have him run it."

Jagger is shocked. "He'll never leave you." He barely lets Liz out of his sight as it is.

"Aye, therefore, I would like to make that offer to you."

His jaw dropped as he stared.

"Hear me out. I know you have been restless. I want you to be happy and have a life."

"Elizabeth…"

She held up her hands. "You have served Guildenhall well. I need you to go there and lead. I trust you."

"I don't know what to say." While he was moved emotionally, this was so unexpected.

"I know you fancy Karen. Take her with you and see if she is the one for you. She's smart and loyal."

Jagger cleared his throat. It is an opportunity to own land and start a family. "I—I will serve you in any way you see fit."

Liz got off the bed and embraced him. "Thank you."

Helena smiled. "It's settled. I will go speak with Alan. Jaggar and gather troops. Maybe some of them would like to spread their wings. I will have Stavros speak to our men who are still here. Most will want to fight, and then I will give some of them an option to go with Valentin if they please."

"We still have men here, so Johnny can help gather them. They will want to fight as well," Jason said. Most of the men love the adrenaline rush of protecting the kingdom.

"I will send word to the other Kings," Elizabeth said, but there is one more decision."

Helena almost growled. "Do we have to include them?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Go on."

"That is complicated, but Anthony's brother Rudy has a son named Lord Dex. I think he would be suitable."

"Is he crazy?" Helena asked.

"No. He's quite normal, which is why you've never heard of him."

Jagger smirked. "How did you find out about him?"

"Sarah thought he was cute."

"Aye."

Helena sighed. "I will go start the process. I have a map of the barbarian's land. We should move quickly so someone else doesn't swoop in."

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Jason watched Elizabeth pace. "Talk to me."

She sighed heavily before meeting his gaze. "This is just new for me. I'm putting many men in danger, and I guess the weight of the consequences is hard to bear."

"I understand, but you are doing what you pledged to do for this kingdom by ensuring their safety. It was a brilliant idea."

"I'm sure you would have thought of it."

"That's not the point. You were stressed about my recovery, and still managed to think about what needs to be done." She had moved closer. "Come, my love, you did well. Your father would be proud, and so am I."

She ran into his arms and held on as he rubbed her back. "Thank you for saying that, but can I ask a favor?"

"Name it."

"Will you meet with Jagger this week and lead them? We can put chairs in here, and you can hold meetings. There is plenty of room."

"Only if you attend as well. I know this is my expertise, but I never want to make major decisions without you. It's not my place."

"Your place is beside me. We are one as far as I'm concerned. Your voice and leadership are just as important. You radiate strength and calmness. Our people need that."

He gently kissed her. "We make a good team." He never would have guessed their relationship would be like this, but it gives him something else to fight for. Everything is changing, and hopefully, there will be peace for a while.

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Alan squeezed his son's hand. "I'm glad you'll be okay."

"Me too. Hopefully, I can get out of this jail soon."

Alan grinned. "You are the worst patient."

"I get it, honestly."

"Are you saying that your genes are cursed?"

"Exactly. How's Mom?"

Alan sighed. His wife barely rests, and while he's used to it by now, this time Monica had been very afraid. "She isn't sleeping much, but I think she's doing better." His wife is a worrier at heart, but he loves how much she fights for their family.

"Things will be back to normal soon."

"I spoke to Helena."

Jason smirked when he saw the sparkle in his father's eyes.

"You know, you're stuck with her for life."

"Aye."

"Elizabeth—in some ways, she has exceeded her father. You're a lucky man."

"I know."

"Once everyone has agreed, we'll move forward."

Jason nodded.

"Take care, son."

"You too. Tell AJ I said hello."

Alan grinned. "God works in mysterious ways."

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Jagger met Karen in the gardens.

"Hi. You look like you have a lot on your mind."

He nodded. "I do."

They sat on a bench.

"What is going on?"

"Well, I've been offered a change in position."

Karen's brow rose. "What?"

He explained about the land and how it was being dispersed.

"Wow!"

"I'm still shocked over it."

She nodded as a million thoughts raced through her mind. "It's a lot to process."

"Aye. This is presumptuous, but I want you to come with me."

She blinked a few times before her jaw dropped.

"I know it's impulsive, but I think we could have something very special, and I don't want to give you up. It's a huge risk, but will you consider it?"

She is at a loss for words.

He chuckled. "Have you ever been speechless before?"

She playfully shoved his arm. "What about the friends? Can they come too?"

"Of course, I'm sure I can find positions for them."

"It's like truly starting over."

"Aye."

She stood and began to pace. "I suppose it's no different than starting over here." They'll have a chance to build a community, and a relationship with Jagger would be a welcome bonus. When she abruptly stopped, their gaze locked. "What are your intentions?"

He sucked in a breath. "I'm hoping you are the one for me."

They moved closer.

"Me too." He's a good man, and she's tired of being lonely.

"Good. Come with me then?"

"Okay. Let me go tell my friends."

Jagger took a chance and kissed her thoroughly before she ran off.